BMW 3 series 1993 vs Mercedes A class 2004
| Body: | Cabrio | Hatchback | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
| Engine: | 2.5 Petrol | 2.0 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing chain | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 192 HP | 136 HP | |
| Torque: | 245 NM | 185 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.6 seconds | 9.8 seconds | |
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BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 56 HP more power than Mercedes A class, whereas torque is 60 NM more than Mercedes A class. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.2 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.1 | 7.2 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 10.0 l/100km | 8.0 l/100km | |
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The Mercedes A class is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.9 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes A class, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 285 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 2 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes A class. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 litres | 54 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 710 km in combined cycle | 750 km in combined cycle | |
| 950 km on highway | 910 km on highway | ||
| 650 km with real consumption | 670 km with real consumption | ||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Mercedes A class) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (BMW 3 series) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 560'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a BMW 3 series engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 6 years | 8 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on BMW 5 sērija | Used also on Mercedes B klase | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.43 m | 3.84 m | |
| Width: | 1.71 m | 1.76 m | |
| Height: | 1.35 m | 1.59 m | |
| BMW 3 series is 59 cm longer than the Mercedes A class, 5 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 24 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 230 litres | 435 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 1370 litres | |
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Mercedes A class has more luggage space. Despite its longer length, BMW 3 series has 205 litres less trunk space than the Mercedes A class. This could mean that the BMW 3 series uses more space in the cabin, so the driver and passengers could be more spacious and comfortable. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10 meters | 11 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 1 metres less than that of the Mercedes A class, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Power steering: | Hydraulic power steering | Electric power steering | |
| Hydraulic power steering is technologically more complex, louder, increases fuel consumption and requires more servicing. It has the advantages of more power, less strain on the car's electrical system and better feedback (feeling) when steering. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`850 | 1`765 | |
| Safety: | |||
| Quality: | low | high | |
| Mercedes A class has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 910 percent more cases than Mercedes A class, so Mercedes A class quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 7800 | 2200 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Mercedes A klase has
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